Theta’s History
Music has been a part of the Oregon State University curriculum since 1871 when the first reference was made to it in the college catalog. A Cadet Band was formed in 1891, one of the first ensembles on campus. A Department of Music was first listed in the 1895-96 catalog, and a conservatory-style School of Music was organized in 1908 as a self-supporting department within the college.
The Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Oregon State University became active May 12th, 1923 in Corvallis, OR. Their goal was to stimulate campus leadership, share their passion for music with others, foster close relationships with other college bands, encourage band members to perform at the highest level and provide a pleasant social experience for all band members.
In 1941, Theta hosted the annual National Convention. This was a significant convention, with several important changes being made, including establishing districts with governors and replacing the previous newsletter with the presently-used Podium publication.
Due to World War II, the Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi went dormant in 1944, typical for most chapters at the time. The chapter was reactivated in 1947 with 16 new members and continued its important work. Theta appeared on the cover and in articles of The Podium in February 1957 and February 1961, and after the passing of director Ted Mesang in November 1967, an article honoring him was featured in the February 1968 issue of The Podium (written by an active Theta alumni, Bob Schapper). Our sister sorority, Tau Beta Sigma, had the Delta Zeta chapter installed at Oregon State in 1970.
In 1972, both the Theta chapter of KKPsi and Delta Zeta chapter of TBS went inactive due to financial reasons.
Our chapter was re-chartered in 2009 with the help of the Gamma chapter at the University of Washington. Since then, our chapter has grown to be an important part of the marching band and concert ensembles at Oregon State University, creating a world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations.
For more information or media regarding our chapter’s history, please contact our historian at historian@kkpsitheta.org.
Community Hall, then Benton Hall, built in 1888 and currently serving as OSU’s music building.